Guest Post by Diane Haeger + GIVEAWAY

In honor of the new release, The Queen's Rival: In the Court of Henry VIII, author Diane Haeger is here to talk about Bessie Blount and her son with King Henry VIII, Henry Fitzroy. I had the recent pleasure of reading Haeger's latest and found it unputdownable! Check back tomorrow for my review.

And now, on with the guest post.....

Henry Fitzroy, Duke of Richmond

What must it be like to bear a child and then, caring for it, mothering that innocent little child at your hip for a full year, be forced to surrender him entirely one day to a different life—a bold fate, knowing that in so doing you might never see him again? That was the heart-wrenching decision forced upon Bess Blount, mother of the king’s only ever acknowledged natural son, Henry Fitzroy, by Henry VIII and his advisors, as he moved onto a new relationship, next with Mary Boleyn and ultimately her sister Anne.

As a mother myself, that was certainly one of the facts about Bess’s life that initially drew me in when I was searching for a new subject for my 12th novel, and third “In The Court of Henry VIII” series. For the pivotal role Bess and Fitzroy (made Duke of Richmond at age 7 by his father—the second most powerful title in England at the time), might well have played in all of English history--- as a torn Henry VIII considered legitimizing his son by marrying his mother instead of Anne Boleyn, and certainly adding him to the line of succession, I was surprised to find Bess a mere footnote in most history books. But she was really so much more, and the other aspects, as well as the many nuances, of Bess’s life captivated my heart as I wrote her story, and I’m afraid she still hasn’t quite let it go.

I think I shall be haunted by her for a good bit of time to come.

Peeling away the layers of Bess’s extraordinary life, The Queen’s Rival, is on one level, a simple coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of Henry VIII’s glittering court, a world adorned by grand palaces, glittering jewels and lush banquets. In the beginning, Bess is a more simple young woman who is swept up by the powerful man at the very center of all that, a man who she knows she can never truly have, yet whom after a time she is powerless to resist. It is the story of the personal cost to Bess for that choice; ultimately the surrender of her own beloved child. On another—and I hope richer level, The Queen’s Rival is the story of one woman’s journey of self-discovery, from despair to wisdom, to triumph and ultimately peace, with the help and the devotion of another man--- a true love, Gilbert Tailbois, there waiting in the wings all along for her to find him.

While Henry VIII obviously plays a large role in The Queen’s Rival, as Katherine of Aragon does, it is far more Bess’s story, her life at court and away from it---the story of a mother’s love and sacrifice, and a woman’s changing heart for the things that she holds dear. Had circumstances been different, Henry Fitzroy might well have been King of England after his father, and perhaps… just perhaps, Bess Blount might have been queen… There was that moment with history tells us, even if it was just for a moment, that those were real considerations. Bess certainly retained the respect and friendship of Henry VIII for the rest of her life, for the ultimate gift she gave him, long after their love affair had come to an end. I loved reading past the simple historical footnote labeled, “Bessie Blount” in researching this book, and in becoming obsessed for a time with bringing her story to a new audience. I hope readers will find her as fascinating as I did and they will let me know what they think of her story at www.dianehaeger.com and on Facebook.

ABOUT THE BOOK

SYNOPSIS

From the author of The Queen's Mistake comes the untold story of King Henry VIII's first well-known mistress.

As the beautiful daughter of courtiers, Elizabeth "Bessie" Blount is overjoyed when she secures a position as maid of honor to Katherine of Aragon. But when she captures the attention of the king himself, there are whispers that the queen ought to be worried for her throne.

When Bess gives birth to a healthy son the whispers become a roar. But soon the infamous Boleyn girls come to court and Henry's love for her begins to fade. Now, Bess must turn to her trusted friend, the illegitimate son of Cardinal Wolsey, to help her move beyond life as the queen's rival.

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION:

- To enter, please leave a comment below and include your email address.

- Giveaway is open to US ONLY.

- For +1 additional entry each, please help spread the word by blogging, posting on sidebar, tweeting or posting on Facebook. You can use the SHARE buttons below and please include the info in the comment section below.

What a phenomenal story. I knew that Henry Fitzroy was a favorite of his father, and that Henry VIII even considered placing the Duke in the lines of succession. I never knew Bessie was considered to be a replacement for KofA. How different Henry VIII's story would have been. A Family man? Who knows!

I sidebar-ed the giveaway. http://themusingsofabookjunkie.blogspot.com/Thanks for the wonderful giveaway! Allison allisonmharper@hotmail.com

I had not heard of Bess or her son. History presents Henry VIII's quest for a son as one of the driving forces behind his numerous wives. I can't remember reading that he had a son in the wings he could have used as an heir. This sounds like an story of 3 special people in placed in difficult and unusual circumstances. It sounds like a special read.

Oh wow...I can't wait to read this book especially after reading The Courtesan last year! I really hated the way the tv series, The Tudors treated the story of Bess Blount...especially when the killed off her son as a little boy...just shameful...lol Loved this guest post and can't wait to read your review as well Amy. Fondly, Robertarlphilbr13@aol.com

I absolutely love this period of time in history and try to read all I can about it. The synopsis of the novel seems to show an innocent yet eager young woman wanting to go to court. Once she gets there and what she experiences are "carrots" that make me hungry to read the book!conniecape@aol.com

Hm ... this one looks like it will be interesting - though totally sad - seems like everything in King Henry's Court ends up sad :( Though ... getting to the end will be great! Thanks!apereiraorama[at]gmail[dot]com

I have read ALL Ms Haegers prior books and she is a scholar and author. Her research is impeccable in detail and she weaves her facts in the story like an artist paints. I am panting to read this. Thanks for the giveaway.

I have long been fascinated with Bessie Blount and her relationship with Henry VIII. She gave him his first son and therefore held a special place in his heart. Please count me in this great giveaway. I'm a long time follower of this blog and shared about the book on my facebook page.

I have read the Ruby Ring another story about a woman, Margherita Luti, who gave her so-called honor for love. Ms. Haeger specializes in these characters as with Maria Fitzherbert, too, I lave her stuff, please enter me.